NFL - NFC Conference Final Tips
The Detroit Lions will look to continue their incredible campaign when they take on the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game at Levi's Stadium on Sunday.
Dan Campbell has manifested his team's progress since he took charge three years ago, and they reached the NFC Championship Game for the first time in 32 years thanks to their 31-23 success over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Lions have beaten the Los Angeles Rams and Bucs to reach this stage of the playoffs, but the 49ers have played one game fewer, having finished the year as the top seed in the NFC.
Kyle Shanahan's team did not have it all their own way in their Divisional Round matchup, as they narrowly beat the Green Bay Packers 24-21 on home soil.
Tip One: Detroit Lions + 6.5 handicap @ 49/50
The 49ers were left battered and bruised after their narrow victory over the Packers on Saturday night.
Quarterback Brock Purdy struggled to find any rhythm in the driving rain, while they lost Deebo Samuel to a shoulder injury in the first half.
Samuel's fitness is up in the air going into this week's clash with Detroit, but the 49ers did at least show some grit and determination to get over the line.
Running back Christian McCaffrey scored two gutsy rushing touchdowns to help his team sneak past the Packers, but the Lions will have seen some chinks in the armour.
While Packers quarterback Jordan Love eventually succumbed to the pressure, Lions QB Jared Goff has reached the finale before.
Goff rallied to carry his team past the Bucs, especially in the fourth quarter when it mattered most.
Without Samuel, the 49ers will struggle to mix it up on offence, and the Lions have what it takes on defence to unsettle the 49ers and push them all the way.
Tip Two: Over 50.5 points @ 22/25
Detroit's passing attack has been superb all season, but their run game has been just as devastating.
Campbell has used David Montgomery to bust through some rigid defences before allowing Jahmyr Gibbs' speed to open up further opportunities throughout the game.
Gibbs showed how elusive he can be against the Bucs, and both those running backs should have their say this weekend.
The 49ers have the best running back in the league in McCaffrey, and both teams have already proved they can come through shootouts when the pressure is on.
Detroit may need to fight fire with fire in order to stay in Sunday's meeting, but with Gibbs, Montgomery, Sam LaPorta and Amon-Ra St. Brown at their disposal, they can rack up the points.
Even without Samuel, Purdy can still call upon Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle and McCaffrey, and this game has the potential to be a classic in the NFC.
